Mary Shannon, 78, of Burlington, died Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington.
Born May 6, 1946, in Worthington, Minn., she was the daughter of Leo and Cleo Ruder. On Nov. 25, 1967, she married David Dolan Shannon in Worthington, Minn. He preceded her in death on June 5, 2012.
She graduated from Worthington High School and later attained a Bachelor's Degree from Presentation School of Nursing. Mary worked as a Registered Nurse for various offices and clinics in Burlington for 30+ years, retiring in 2006.
Mary was very active in the Catholic church and volunteered at Great River Medical Center. She and her husband, David, were very active in Veterans of America and were leading members of the Mississippi boat club. Mary always put her family first. Her husband was always the center of her attention and was the love of her life. They were high school sweethearts until his passing in 2012. Her "boys" were always special to her and she was a "boy Mom". She was always there for whatever her family needed.
Survivors include her son, Paul (Holly) Shannon of Madisonville, La.; five grandchildren, Holden (Alexis) Grimes, Cole David Shannon, Olivia Faye Shannon, Hunter Merritt Shannon, Alexis Madelynn Shannon; one great-granddaughter, Leila Grimes; sister, Rosie Pender and brother, Dick (Arlis) Ruder.
Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Edward; two brothers, Gene and Jim Ruder; and one sister, Lois Ruder.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
The Memorial Mass of the Resurrection for Mrs. Shannon will be 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at Divine Mercy Parish-St. Paul's Catholic Church with Fr. Jake Greiner as the Celebrant. Inurnment will be in Rock Island National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for Disabled Veterans of America.